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Ones to Watch

Emerging Perspectives and Uncharted Talents

What, or who, is an “emerging” artist? The term evokes freshness and new ideas, yet risks oversimplifying the artist’s trajectory into a linear narrative of progression. Ultimately, the term encourages us to reconsider our role in the oppressive structures of the art world, questioning how we value and support artists without extinguishing their spark. To emerge is not just to rise or climb the ladder but to transform and redefine creation itself.

Morgan Laurens

Morgan Laurens (she/her/hers) is NOT REAL ART’s editor in chief. Morgan is an arts writer from the Midwest who enjoys saying “excuse me” when no actual pardon is needed. She specializes in grant writing and narrative-based storytelling for mission-driven artists and arts organizations. With a background in printmaking, pop culture, and classic literature, Morgan believes a girl’s best friend is the pile of books on her bedside table.

Emerging Perspectives and Uncharted Talents

Welcome to First Friday Exhibitions, a curated monthly series featuring leading lights of the creative world. Curated by arts writer and NOT REAL ART Editor-in-Chief Morgan Laurens, our May 2025 exhibition features work from Christine Garvey, Isabel Lu, Jacquelyn Nagel, Josh Urban Davis, Laura Cañas, Madeline Brice, Madeline Maser, Rylee Nelson, and Santina Amato.